1973 United Kingdom'saccession to the European Economic Community The inscription "50 PENCE" and the date of the year, surrounded by nine hands, symbolising the nine members of the Community, clasping one another in a mutual gesture of trust, assistance and friendship Designed by David Wynne 1992-93 United Kingdom's Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the completion of the Single European Market A representation of a table on which are placed twelve stars, linked by a network of lines to each other and also to twelve chairs around the table, on one of which appear the letters "UK", andwith the dates "1992" and "1993" above and the value "50 PENCE" below Designed by Mary Milner Dickens 1994 50th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings A design representing the Allied invasion force heading for Normandy andfilling the sea and sky, together with the value "50 PENCE" Designed by John Mills 1998 United Kingdom's Presidency of the European Union, and the 25th Anniversary of the United Kingdom's accession to the European Economic Community A celebratoryarrangement of stars with the letters "EU" between

 theAnniversary dates "1973" and "1998", and the value 50 PENCE below Designed by John Mills 1998 50th Anniversary of the National Health Service A pair of hands set against a pattern of radiating lines with the words "FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY" and the value "50 PENCE",accompanied by the initials "NHS" which appear five times on the outer border Designed by David Cornell 2000 150th Anniversary of the Public Libraries Act The turning pages of a book, the Anniversary dates "1850" and "2000", and the value "50 PENCE", all above a classical library building on which appear the words "PUBLIC LIBRARIES" and,withinthe pediment, representations of compact discs Designed by Mary Milner Dickens 2003 100th Anniversary of the formation of the Women's Social and Political Union The figure of a suffragette chained to railings andholding a banner on which appear the lettersWSPU, to the right a ballot paper marked with a cross and the words GIVE WOMEN THE VOTE, to the left the value 50

 PENCE, and below and to thefar right the Anniversary dates 1903 and 2003 Designed by Mary Milner Dickens 2004 50th Anniversary of the first four-minute mile by Roger Bannister The legs of a running athlete with a stylised stopwatch in the background and the value 50 PENCE below Designed by James Butler 2005 250th Anniversary of Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language Entries from the Dictionary for the words FIFTYand PENCE, with the figure50 above, and the inscription JOHNSON'S DICTIONARY 1755 below Designed by Tom Phillips 2006 150th Anniversary of the institution of the Victoria Cross Depiction of the obverse and reverse of a Victoria Cross with the date 29 JAN 1856 in the centre of the reverse of the Cross, the letters VC to the right and the value FIFTY PENCE below Designed by Claire Aldridge 2006 150th Anniversary of the institution of the Victoria Cross Depiction of a soldier carrying a wounded comrade with an outline of the Victoria Cross surrounded by a sunburst effect in the background

 Designed by Clive Duncan 2007 Centenary of the Foundation of the Scouting Movement A fleur-de-lis superimposed over a globe and surrounded by the inscription "BE PREPARED", the dates "1907" and "2007", and the denomination "FIFTY PENCE".

Designed by Kerry Jones 2009 250th anniversary of the foundation of the Royal Botanic Gardens A design showing the pagoda encircled by a vine and accompanied by the dates “1759” and “2009”, with the word “KEW” at the base of the pagoda Designed by Christopher Le Brun 2010 Celebrating 100 Years of Girlguiding UK Designed by Jonathan Evans and Donna Hainan 2011 Celebrating 50 years of the work of WWF Designed by Matthew Dent Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Christopher Ironside Designed by Christopher Ironside Girl, 9, wins silver with Olympic 50p coin design | Daily Mail Online comments A schoolgirl has won a once-in-a-lifetime chance to design a British coin. Florence Jackson beat 17,000 other entrants to win a Blue Peter competition to design the 50p coin celebrating the London 2012 Olympic Games. It shows a high-jumper in action. 'I am so excited. It was a real surprise to win,' she said.

'I chose the high-jump because I'd watched it on TV before and thought it looked fun. Coining it in: Florence Jackson, 9, holds up a 50 pence coin featuring her design celebrating London 2012 Well done: Florence Jackson, 9, is congratulated by Blue Peter presenter Andy Akinwolere and Denise Lewis 'It was amazing to visit the Royal Mint and see my picture turned into a coin. I can't wait to see it in my pocket money!' Enlarge The coin close-up: Florence's design depicts a competitor taking part in the high jump The youngster was joined by Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis and Blue Peter presenter Andy Akinwolere at the Royal Mint to strike her first coin. 'It was amazing to visit the Royal Mint and see my picture turned into a coin. I can't wait to see it in my pocket money!' The youngster was joined by Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis and Blue Peter presenter Andy Akinwolere at the Royal Mint to strike her first coin. The coin will be the first in a series of 50p coins to commemorate London 2012 that will appear next year.

Lewis said: 'Florence has done all Olympians and Paralympians proud. Her design is simple and effective and I'm honoured to say I saw it first. 'Florence is a very deserving winner and her coin is a great illustration of how everyone can be a part of London 2012.' A very happy 40th birthday to the 50p piece Tomorrow, Wednesday, October 14th, is the 40th anniversary of the 50p piece which was first introduced in 1969 as part of the country's shift to decimalisation. It has had two different sizes, and been through a myriad of designs in the four decades since it was brought in. To celebrate the anniversary of the coin, here are 50 things you probably didn't know about the coin. 1. The 50p piece was introduced on October 14, 1969, to replace the ten shilling note. 2. It caused confusion at first, with many people getting it mixed up with the old half crown and the new ten pence piece despite its unusual shape. 3.It was the world's first seven sided coin. 4.

When the 50p was first introduced it was much larger, being replaced by a small version in September 1997. 5. The original larger coin officially went out of circulation in 1998. 6. When it was introduced, it was the third decimal coin in circulation, joining the 5p and 10p pieces. This left just the three copper coins to be introduced in February 1971 to complete the set. A new 50p coin launched by The Royal Mint at the British Library in central London in March 2005 7. Since 1997 the coin has weighed eight grams and measured 27.3mm across and 1.78mm thick. 8. The difference in the size of the coin was noticeable, with 40 per cent of the weight taken off. But only 2.7mm was taken off the diameter. 9. Florence Jackson, nine, has just become the first child to design the coin by beating 17,000 entries in a Blue Peter competition to create a 50p showing a high jumper to celebrate the London Olympics 2012. 10.

It is made up of 75 per cent copper and 25 per cent nickel. 11. The 50p piece is only legal tender for amounts up to £10. 12. In 1992 it became the largest coin in circulation after both the 5p and 10p coins were made smaller. 13. A 50p piece was placed in the inkwell belonging to Lord Austin of the Austin car company by Sir Michael Edwardes, the Chairman of British Leyland during the 1970s. It was in tribute to the half crown that Lord Austin flipped in 50 or so years earlier to decide the fate of the company. 14. The front of the coin always carries a portrait of the Queen. The then Chancellor of the Exchequer Kenneth Clarke take a close look at the new 50p during a visit to the Royal Mint at Llantrisant, Mid-Glamorgan, in 1997 15. From 1985 until the large coin was made redundant in 1997, the first Queen's portrait was designed by Arnold Machin. 16.

Machin's design was replaced by one by Raphael Maklouf, which was used until the introduction of the small coins. 17. The portrait of the Queen currently in circulation on the 50p piece is by Ian Rank-Broadley. 18. The design on the reverse of the coin featured a symbol of Britannia which has appeared on every coin in circulation since 1672. 19. In 1982, the design of Britannia changed. Still by Christopher Ironside, is appears more smooth and with less definition. 20. The 50p is the only coin where the reverse design changes regularly to mark special occasions or anniversaries. 21. There have been 13 special designs since the coin was introduced. 22. In 1973 the first special introduction coin was introduced celebrating the UK's accession to the European Economic Community. It featured nine hands, symbolising the nine members of the community, clasping each other in a circle. 50p coin introduced in 1973 to mark Britain's entry into the European Union.The head is the design of David Wynne and shows nine hands, symbolising the nine members of the Community.

They are clasping one another, says the Royaal Mint, in a gesture of trust, assistance, and friendship 23. It was almost 20 years later that the second commemorative coin came out in 1992, celebrating the UK's presidency of the Council of Ministers. 24. A more exciting design, featuring the Allied invasion force for Normandy graced the coin in 1994 for the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings. 25. Another European themed coin came in 1998 when the UK's presidency of the EU was celebrated. 26. In the same year, the 50th anniversary of the NHS was marked with a special coin. 27. A book was featured on the back of the 50p in 2000 to mark the 150th anniversary of the Public Libraries Act. 28. The suffragettes were celebrated in 2003 for the 100th anniversary of the Women's Social and Political Union. 29. A pair of legs featured on the coin to celebrate the 50th anniversary in 2004 of the first four-minute mile by Roger Bannister.

30. A more modern design was devised for the 250th anniversary of Samuel Johnson's Dictionary in 2005, and featured entries from the dictionary for the words 'fifty' and 'pence'. 31. The Victoria Cross is the only occasion to have two different designs in 2006. 32. The first, designed by Claire Aldridge featured the cross itself. The Royal Mint today launched two new 50p coin designs at the Imperial War Museum in 2006.The coins were launched in honour of the 150th anniversary of the institution of the Victoria Cross 33. The second, by Clive Duncan depicted a soldier carrying a wounded comrade to safety. 34. In 2007, a coin was made to mark the centenary of the Scouting Movement, carrying the fleur-de-lis and the inscription Be Prepared. 35. And just this year, a coin was issued celebrating the 250th anniversary of Kew Gardens. 36. Mary Milner Dickens has designed the most reverse designs for the 50p - the suffragettes, libraries and the UK's presidency of the Council of Ministers. 37.

The shape of the 50p coin is an equilaterally curved heptagon. 38. It is not a heptagon because the sides are curved instead of straight. This is to allow the coin to roll in vending and slot machines. 39. It is the same shape as the 20p piece. 40. The current reverse of the coin was designed by Matthew Dent. Old faithful: 40 years old tomorrow 41. In April 2008, he won a competition to redesign the reverses of all circulating coins except the £2 coin. 42. At the latest estimate, in December 2005, there were an estimated 769 million 50p coins in circulation, totalling £384,500,000. 43. In the last mint, in 2008, 12,320,000 coins with the new Matthew Dent design were made. 44. Since it was introduced, there have been 14 separate years where no 50p pieces were minted. 45.

The largest mint to date was in 1997, when the first batch of the new small coins were made. Over 450 million coins were produced. 46. If you placed the 50p end to end it would take 1,466 million coins to go around the world. 47. 226 billion coins end to end would reach the moon. This is approximately £113 billion. 48. To celebrate the London Olympics 2012, 29 commemorative designs will be commissioned. 49. Until 2008, the Queen's head was below the central apex. It is now below a curved side. 50. After the introduction of the pound coin in 1983, the demand for the 50p significantly dropped. As a result, smaller numbers of the coin have been put into circulation since 1985. UK Decimal Coins - Fifty Pence Pictures of Decimal Fifty Pence coins The Seven-sided Coins Both the 20p and 50p coins are seven-sided to aid identification. The sides are not straight, but curved, with the centre of curvature being the opposite apex.

This means that when used in slot machines they always appear to have exactly the same diameter regardless of the orientation of the coin when it is put in. In all of these coins except the new style 50p Dent definitive design introduced in 2008 the central apex is above the Queen's head. Fifty Pence The fifty pence coin originally weighed 13.5 grams and had a diameter of 30 mm. It was introduced in 1969 to replace the ten shilling note as part of the run up towards decimalisation two years later. The ten shilling note ceased to be legal tender from 22nd November 1970. In 1997 a new smaller version of the 50p was introduced weighing 8.00 grams and with a diameter of 27.30 mm. Proof coins were issued in sets every year from 1971 onwards. There are many types of the 50 pence coin as they are used for commemorative designs. A very large number of new designs have been issued in connection with the London Olympics.

16 of the reverse designs, all dated 2009, were issued together in proof sets to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the introduction of the 50p coin. Definitive Types Issued from 1969 to 1972 , and 1974 to 1981 (1971-72 and 1974-75 in Proof only). None of this type were issued in 1973 when only the EEC commemorative design was used. Large Britannia type with revised inscription Obv: First Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D {date} starting top right Rev: Britannia (modified), 50 below, FIFTY PENCE above.

Issued from 1982 to 1984 (1984 only obtainable from Mint and Proof sets) Large Britannia type with new portrait Obv: Second Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D {date} starting low left Rev: Britannia, 50 below, FIFTY PENCE above Issued from 1985 to 1993 and 1995 to 1997 (All except 1985 obtainable only from Mint and Proof sets). Proofs: silver in 1996 and 1997. Small Britannia type Issued only in 1997, but in large numbers. Proofs: silver and silver piedfort. Small Britannia type with new portrait Rev: Britannia, 50 below, FIFTY PENCE above Issued for circulation from 1998 to 2008. About 55 million 1998 50p's were issued. 50p coins of this design dated 2007 are available in proof Royal Mint sets, but not in the Uncirculated Coin Set.

This is probably because there were two commemorative designs for 2007. 2008 Britannia type coins have been seen in circulation, but are scarce. Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation. Proofs: silver in 2000, 2006, 2008 and 2009; gold in 2002, 2008 and 2009; platinum in 2008; gold piedfort in 2009 New Dent Shield type Issued from 2008 to 2015. 2010, 2011, and 2014 not yet seen in circulation; these are available in Royal Mint sets only. Proofs in cupronickel, silver, gold, platinum, silver piedfort and gold piedfort are known for various dates. New Portrait Issued from 2015. 2015 found in circulation; 2016 and 2017 are available in Royal Mint sets only.

Proofs in cupronickel, silver, and gold are known for various dates. Commemorative Types Issued in 1973 only. A cased Proof version was issued which is arguably more common than the uncirculated examples of the circulation issue. A few silver proofs on slightly thicker than normal blanks were struck for senior EEC Finance Ministers. Second EEC large type Rev: Conference Table with seats and stars, 50 PENCE below, 1992 1993 above . This was issued to celebrate the completion of the EC single market and the British Presidency. A circulation issue was made, but in such small quantities that I have never seen one in change. It was designed by Mary Milner Dickens. Proofs: silver, gold and silver piedfort. D-Day large type This was issued to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of D-Day. A circulation issue was made, but in small quantities. A few were found in change. Designed by John Mills. Proofs: silver, gold and silver piedfort. Third EEC type.

This and all following are in the small format It looks like a firework display of 12 stars with the inscription 1973 EU 1998 underneath, with 50 PENCE below. Issued in 1998. About 5 million issued. Designed by John Mills. Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation. Proofs: silver in 1998 and 2009; gold in 1998 and 2009; silver piedfort in 1998; gold piedfort in 2009 NHS type 'Caring hands' holding suns rays, FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY above, 50 PENCE below, NHS repeated 5 times in the border Issued in 1998. About 5 million issued Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation.

Proofs: silver in 1998 and 2009; gold in 1998 and 2009; silver piedfort in 1998; gold piedfort in 2009 Libraries type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2000 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Commemorative design marking the centenary of the Public Libraries Act of 1850 . Open book above pillared building inscribed PUBLIC LIBRARIES, 1850 2000 above, 50 PENCE to the right. Issued in 2000. Designed by Mary Milner Dickens. Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation.

Proofs: silver in 2000 and 2009; gold in 2000 and 2009; silver piedfort in 2000; gold piedfort in 2009 Suffragettes type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2003 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Commemorative design marking the centenary of the Women's Social and Political Union (The Suffragettes) . Suffragette chained to railing and holding banner inscribed WSPU in her left hand. 50 PENCE to the left, and a billboard inscribed GIVE WOMEN THE VOTE to the right, with 1903 below and 2003 to the right. Issued in 2003. Designed by Mary Milner Dickens. Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation.

Proofs: silver in 2003 and 2009; gold in 2003 and 2009; silver piedfort in 2003; gold piedfort in 2009 Four-Minute Mile type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2004 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Commemorative design marking the fiftieth anniversary of the first four-minute mile by Roger Bannister . Legs of a runner with a stopwatch showing just under four minutes. 50 PENCE below. Designed by James Butler. Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation. Proofs: silver in 2004 and 2009; gold in 2004 and 2009; silver piedfort in 2004; gold piedfort in 2009 Dictionary type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2005 starting low left.

Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Commemorative design marking the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the publication of Samuel Johnson's first English Dictionary . 50/FI'FTY.adj/s.[FIFTIZ, Saxon.]/PENCE .n.s./plural of penny/JOHNSON'S/DICTIONARY 1755. Designed by Tom Phillips. Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation. Proofs: silver in 2005 and 2009; gold in 2005 and 2009; silver piedfort in 2005; gold piedfort in 2009 Victoria Cross type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2006 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Commemorative design marking the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the creation of the Victoria Cross . Pictures of both sides of the Victoria Cross, the reverse engraved 29 JAN 1856.

VC FIFTY PENCE below. Designed by Claire Aldridge. Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation. Proofs: silver in 2006 and 2009; gold in 2006 and 2009; silver piedfort in 2006; gold piedfort in 2009 Heroic Actions type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2006 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Commemorative design marking the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the creation of the Victoria Cross . Soldier carrying wounded comrade, FIFTY PENCE below. Designed by Clive Duncan. Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation.

Proofs: silver in 2006 and 2009; gold in 2006 and 2009; silver piedfort in 2006; gold piedfort in 2009 Scouting type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2007 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Commemorative design marking the one hundredth anniversary of the Scout Movement . Fleur-de-Lys symbol of the Scout Movement, FIFTY PENCE above, BE PREPARED below, 1907 to the left and 2007 to the right Designed by Kerry Jones. Proof coins were struck dated 2009 for the special 2009 16 design set. None dated 2009 were issued for circulation. Proofs: silver in 2007 and 2009; gold in 2007 and 2009; silver piedfort in 2007; gold piedfort in 2009 Kew type Issued in 2009. Seen in circulation although scarce.

Mintage is very low. Proofs: silver, gold, silver piedfort, gold piedfort. EEC small type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D starting top right (to be confirmed) Rev: Nine clasped hands in a circle, 1973 / 50 / PENCE in the centre Issued in 2009 as proofs only, in cupronickel, silver, gold and gold piedfort. Second EEC small type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D starting low left (to be confirmed) Rev: Conference Table with seats and stars, 50 PENCE below, 1992 1993 above. Issued in 2009 as proofs only, in cupronickel, silver, gold and gold piedfort. D-Day small type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2009 starting low left (to be confirmed) Rev: An invasion force of planes and ships.

50 PENCE to right Issued in 2009 as proofs only, in cupronickel, silver, gold and gold piedfort. Girl Guides type From a design by Christopher Ironside Issued and in circulation in 2013. Benjamin Britten type Rev: BENJAMIN BRITTEN on staves, BLOW BUGLE BLOW above, COMPOSER BORN 1913 between, SET THE WILD ECHOES FLYING below Designed by Tom Phillips CBE RA Issued in 2013. Seen in circulation; also available in a Royal Mint folder, and gold, silver, and silver piedfort proofs. Not found in the Year Sets. Glasgow Commonwealth Games type Designed by Alex Loudon with Dan Flashman Issued in 2014. Seen in circulation. Battle of Britain type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2015. Issued in 2015.

Battle of Hastings type Rev: Saxon soldier with arrow in the eye (Harold II?), 10 to left, 66 to right, BATTLE OF HASTINGS around, 2016 under Designed by John Bergdahl To be issued in 2016. Not yet seen in circulation; at present available in Royal Mint sets only. First Beatrix Potter type Obv: Fourth Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 50 PENCE 2016. Central point above Queen's head. Rev: BEATRIX POTTER 1866 1948, silhouette of Beatrix Potter above, Peter Rabbit below, floral motif around Designer not yet known To be issued in 2016. Not yet seen in circulation; not available in 2016 Royal Mint year sets. Second Beatrix Potter type Obv: Fourth Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 50 PENCE 2016. Central point above Queen's head. Rev: a portrait of Peter Rabbit with the inscription PETER RABBIT Further details and designer not yet known To be issued in 2016.

Not yet seen in circulation; not available in 2016 Royal Mint year sets. Sir Isaac Newton type Obv: Fourth Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II DEI GRA REG FID DEF 2017. Central point above Queen's head. Designed by Aaron West To be issued in 2017. Not yet seen in circulation; available in 2017 Royal Mint year sets. The Olympic Types Athletics type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D {date} starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Child jumping over a stick . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Designed by Florence Jackson Issued in 2009 and 2011. 2011 date seen in circulation; 2009 versions available in Royal Mint presentation folder only. Aquatics type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Aquatics. Swimmer . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below.

Issued in December 2010. Archery type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Archery. Hand, arrow and bowstring . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Issued in December 2010. Badminton type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Badminton. Shuttlecock and players . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Issued in December 2010. Basketball type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Basketball players. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Not yet seen, but reported to be in circulation.

Boccia type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Boccia. Wheelchair player . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Issued in December 2010. Boxing type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Boxing. Two gloves and ring . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Issued in December 2010. Canoeing type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Canoeist . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Issued in December 2010. Cycling type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust.

Rev: Cyclist on track . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Issued in December 2010. Equestrian type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Equestrian . Horse and rider jumping fence. London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Issued in December 2010. Fencing type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Two fencers . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Issued in December 2010. Football type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Diagram explaining the offside rule . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Issued in 2011.

Goalball type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Goalball player throwing a ball . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Issued in December 2010. Gymnastics type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Gymnast with ribbon . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Issued in December 2010. Handball type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Handball player and court . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Seen in circulation. Hockey type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Hockey. Two players.

London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Issued in December 2010. Judo type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Judo Throw in progress . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Issued in 2011. Modern Pentathlon type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Modern Pentathlon . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Issued in December 2010. Rowing type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Two rowers . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Issued in December 2010.

Shooting type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Shooting. Clay pigeon shooter . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Issued in December 2010. Table Tennis type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Table Tennis. Two bats, ball and table . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Issued in December 2010. Taekwondo type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Two athletes engaging in Taekwondo . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Not yet seen, but reported to be in circulation. Tennis type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left.

Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Ball over tennis net . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Not yet seen, but reported to be in circulation. Triathlon type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Triathlon. Runner, cyclist and swimmer . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Issued in December 2010. Volleyball type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Volleyball Game in progress . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Issued in December 2010. Weightlifting type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Female weightlifter . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Seen in circulation.

Wheelchair Rugby type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Wheelchair player with ball . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Not yet seen, but reported to be in circulation. Wrestling type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. Rev: Wrestlers in stadium . London 2012 Olympics symbol above, 50 PENCE below. Seen in circulation. Yachting type Obv: Third Portrait, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2011 starting low left. Initials IRB below bust. 2006 Victoria Cross Gold Proof 50p Coin | Chards | Tax Free Gold Order Form USA 2006 Fifty Pence Gold Proof - Victoria Cross This year, the Royal Mint has decided to issue two different Fifty Pence coins both to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Victoria Cross in 1856.

The Victoria Cross The Victoria Cross is the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy. All who have received it have shown conspicuous bravery, many at the cost of their own lives. The original idea for the Victoria Cross was proposed by the Duke of Newcastle in 1854 and the Royal Warrant for the creation of the medal was eventually signed by Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace on 29th January 1856. The first investiture took place on 26th June 1857 in Hyde Park where crowds gathered to witness the Queen, mounted on horseback, presenting medals to sailors and soldiers. The Crimean War had taken place before the Cross was instituted but the earliest awards were made to sailors and soldiers who had fought in that war. Lieutenant Charles Lucas, who was serving the Royal Navy in the Baltic Sea in 1854, was the first person to be awarded the Cross. He received the VC for outstanding courage when he snatched up a live shell that had just landed on the deck of his ship, HMS Hecla, and tossed it overboard, saving the lives of the entire crew. For Valour The Victoria Cross was awarded much more regularly in the early years.

In total 1,355 awards have been made since 1856. Since 1945 there have only been twelve awarded. The most recent award, announced in 2005, was to Private Johnson Beharry, The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment. The Victoria Cross is given without regard to rank, race, colour or creed. All who have received this most prestigious of decorations are highly esteemed for their selflessness and their steadfast devotion to duty. On the 5th of January 1856, the design of the Cross was approved by Queen Victoria with one amendment to the motto. ...For Valour rather than For the Brave, as this would lead to the inference that only those are deemed brave who have got the Cross. The Award - Interesting Facts The youngest Victoria Cross recipient was A Fitzgibbon, Indian Medical Establishment, Taku Forts, China, August 1860, aged fifteen years three months. The oldest Victoria Cross recipient was Lieutenant W Raynor, Bengal Veteran Establishment, Indian Mutiny, May 1857, aged sixty-nine. There have been four instances of brothers being awarded the Victoria Cross. There have been three instances of father and son being awarded the Victoria Cross.

The largest number of Victoria Crosses to be awarded in a single day was twenty-four at the second relief of Lucknow on 16th November 1857. The largest number of Victoria Crosses won in a single action was eleven at Rorke's Drift on 22nd January 1879. Since 1916, miniature Victoria Crosses have been worn with evening dress or mess dress in the place of full-size versions. Company Sergeant Major F W Hall, Acting Corporal L Clarke and Lieutenant R Shankland, who were all awarded the Victoria Cross in the First World War, all happened to live on Pine Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It is believed to be the only street in the world in which three VC recipients have lived. the name of the street was changed by the City of Winnipeg to Valour Street and a bronze plaque was mounted on a street lamp in honour of the three men. The Medal Since 1856, all VCs have been made by the London based jewellers Messrs. Hancocks and Co.

The Crosses are made from bronze taken from cannon captured from the Russians during the battle of Sebastopol in 1854, at least according to the Royal Mint, and popular myth. A recently published book Bravest of the Brave by John Glanfield which claims to have exposed the truth about the metal used to make the awards. It has long been believed that all 1,351 Victoria Crosses awarded have been made of bronze taken from two Russian cannon captured at the siege of Sebastopol and kept in the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich. Mystery Gunmetal John Glanfield, a historian and author of Bravest of the Brave, to be published next month, claims to have exposed the truth about the metal used to make the awards. It has long been believed that all 1,351 Victoria Crosses awarded have been made of bronze taken from two Russian cannon captured at the siege of Sebastopol and kept in the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich. By studying historical documents and scientific analysis, Glanfield claims that the Woolwich cannon were not used until 1914, 58 years after the first Victoria Crosses had been produced.

The precious ingot disappeared during the Second World War, so a different metal was used for five crosses awarded between 1942 and 1945. There was an accepted legend and no one had researched whether it was true. When something has been the belief for 150 years it becomes accepted as the truth. In the book, he says: "No aspect of the history of the Victoria Cross has been so hotly debated or disputed as the origin of the metal from which it is made. The truth has become fogged by time, myth and misinformation. Part of the myth is that every cross has been cast from the two [Woolwich] cannon. The cannon in Woolwich are Chinese-made, although they have often previously been cited as Russian, and Glanfield says that their origin is an "impenetrable mystery". He said there was no evidence that they had been captured at Sebastopol, the last big battle of the Crimean War, as was often stated. "The Chinese pieces were not the only, or even the first, to contribute VC metal," he said. "An earlier gun provided bronze from the start". "When the metal ran out in December 1914, the Chinese cannon took over.

The football-size cascabels [knobs] were sawn off at the neck and melted down for VC production, starting not in 1856 but nearly 60 years and some 560 crosses later." After the cross and the distinctive "V" shaped suspender are cast in the gunmetal and finished by hand, the medal and its components are chemically treated to achieve the characteristic dark brown colour. The design of the VC is generally thought to be the work of HH Armstead, but Queen Victoria herself suggested the inscription "For Valour". Originally the Cross had a red ribbon for the army and a blue ribbon for the Navy, but following the formation of the Royal Air Force in 1918, a single colour, red, was authorised for all recipients. The Cross is inscribed with the recipient's name, rank, number, and the date of the act of valour. A second award is indicated by a bar worn on the ribbon above the medal. Three men have won the Victoria Cross twice; Lieutenant A Martin-Leake, Royal Army Medical Corps, Captain NG Chavasse MC MB, Royal Army Medical Corps, and Captain CH Upham, New Zealand Military Forces.

Obverse - Fourth Portrait All 2006 coins carried the fourth portrait obverse design by Ian Rank-Broadley. Reverse One design "The Award" bears a representation of the Victoria Cross itself, and was designed by Claire Aldridge. The other "The Heroic Acts" pictures a soldier carrying a wounded comrade "in the sort of act which would deserve the award", and was designed by Clive Duncan. An earlier version of this design was rejected by Chancellor Gordon Brown on grounds of taste, possibly because there would be some who would suggest that his stealth taxes had much in common with the rejected design which was similar to the final version, but with the cross hairs of a sniper's rifle sight trained on the back of the VC candidate. Specifications

Question: In 2005, two different designs were used on the reverse of the 50p coin to commemorate the 150 anniversary of the introduction of what?
Answer: Victoria Cross